September 6, 2017 - The rain left behind by Hurricane Harvey has created large areas where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. To address increasing numbers of mosquitoes and the risk they pose to the recovery effort and public health, the Texas Department of State Health Services has activated its contract for aerial mosquito control and requested additional mosquito control assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Aerial spraying targeting mosquitoes will begin around dusk Thursday over Refugio and Bee counties, weather permitting.

September 5, 2017 - The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is postponing meetings on Wild and Scenic River eligibility and Wildernesses due to widespread flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey.

The meetings, scheduled for Lufkin and San Augustine on Sept 12 and 14 have been postponed, according to Rob Potts, Natural Resources and Planning staff officer.

“Our main concern is with people recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey,” he said. “As lives and homes are put back together, we will reschedule these meetings.”

September 5, 2017 - I received a response from Editor JJ to my last week's article (My Coldest Night-Ever). She wrote about her coldest night as follows:

"I enjoyed reading your article. It reminded me of my coldest night - ever and made me think of my dad who passed away in 2008."

"J. J.'s Coldest Night--Ever"

September 3, 2017 - The Southern Region of the USDA Forest Service is waiving fees and making campgrounds available for individuals displaced by the recent flooding in Texas and other states.

Like several areas along the Gulf Coast, many National Forests were impacted by the recent storm. Some of the region’s campgrounds are closed due to the flooding.